Multi-stimuli-responsive chiral organogels based on peptide derivatives

Soft Matter. 2015 Jul 28;11(28):5727-37. doi: 10.1039/c5sm00115c.

Abstract

A series of chiral aryl amide compounds bearing peptide pendants have been investigated as low molecular weight gelators. A mechanistic study reveals that complementary hydrogen bonding from peptide pendants is the main driving force for the formation of organogels. This new class of organogels can exhibit multi-stimuli-responsive behavior upon applying (1) thermal, (2) pH, (3) enantiomeric purity, and (4) fluoride anion stimuli. Enantiomeric purity as a new external stimulus displays sensitive stimuli-responsiveness; only 0.02 equiv. of the enantiomer can completely disassemble the gel aggregate. They will serve as excellent smart materials with potential applications in chiral sensors, recognition, and separation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amides / chemistry*
  • Gels / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Amides
  • Gels
  • Peptides